The Hunter Returns

[Wednesday, May 27, 1998]

Griflet's Report: “Choices, old and new, present
themselves.”

FAREWELL TO POLYDICES - Mole (23rd), Wolf's
Moon, Year of the Gorgon

In the Dragon-hoard you discover many precious weapons of
ancient Elven make. Among the treasure you find Coryon's White
Ivory Bow, studded with pearls and diamonds. You also take some
other pieces, though you are not entirely sure of their cultural or
material worth.

Polydices waits outside carrying a few of the smaller
Quarmallian machines from the hoard. “I have been thinking
about your request.” Says Polydices. “Here, take this
and open it if you wish to contact me.” He hands you a small
hand-sized box, made of bronze and engraved on the top with the
eight-arrowed symbol of Chaos. When you open it I will know where
you are, and I will make speed to your location. Until we meet
again, Griflet, fare well.”

“So long, Polydices, may the wind carry you!”, you
say.

He turns and walks into the forest, the dragon-claws slung over his
shoulder. He does not look back.

A HERO'S WELCOME - Squirrel (26th),
Wolf's Moon, Year of the Gorgon

You ran for three days along the hidden paths of the Forest of
Sibilan, avoiding crude Beastmen. Your whole body feels like a sack
of lead. It is evening when you jog wearily into the Elven compound
a few miles to the north of Vardin's dugout. Your arrival causes an
immediate stir. You dump the Dragon's head in the central square.
Although all you want to do is sleep, you watch as the crowds
gather around you in the twilight. You spot Gorianthas and other
familiar faces in the crowd. There is a hush; the elves are awed by
your trophy.

“My people, we have been driven here by the forces of
Chaos but today we are avenged!! Bloodbane the jailer of Imric and
scorcher of Tovilyis is no more. With some help I found his cave
and put an end to his tyranny. We are the high race, we are the
first-dwellers, we are the descendants of Celedril and we will
never be held to fear by lesser snakes, spiders, beasts and their
kind! From this day forward we will build a new elven empire, a new
country, a future stronger than the elder oaks and I promise you
nothing will stand in our way.”

There is a loud cheer - quite a show of emotion for the normally
reserved elves. You know that you have pleased and inspired the
crowd with your speech.

Gorianthas is also impressed. Later, he comes up to congratulate
you personally, at which point you arrange to meet with the rest of
the faction leaders.

“If I'm not mistaken, that grand bow you carry is none other
than Coryon's White Bow, the Moonbow. Was that in the Dragon's
Hoard? What other treasures did you leave behind? Where is
Bloodbane's lair?

You do not answer his questions immediately, preferring to sleep
and wait to speak to the gathered faction leaders.

COUNCIL OF THE ELVES - Rat (27th),
Wolf's Moon, Year of the Gorgon

You explain to the gathered faction leaders your plan to lead an
expedition to the Isle of Zecy.

GORIANTHAS OF THE ROYALIST FACTION: Although initially opposed on
principle to elves setting foot on Zecy again, your arguments were
persuasive. He agrees that much has changed for the People since
the edict was announced. However from his questions during the
session, you get the impression that he is more interested in the
Dragon-hoard than the Zecy expedition. He approves of your idea,
but thinks maybe you should direct a military operation to retrieve
the hoard for the People instead.

TOLINTHIS OF HOUSE MERCANTILE: Tolinthis'eyes light up when he
hears of the treasures to be had at the Dragon-hoard; again, he is
less interested in the Zecy expedition but has no moral objection.
House Mercantile has settled quite well into a trading routine with
Lorn Velpa. You feel that Tolinthis is really not that interested
in another great Leavetaking. Tolinthis seems to defer to
Gorianthas in most decisions, you note.

CORINTH OF HOUSE PROTECTOR: By natural succession according to the
complex protocols of House Protector, Corinth is the appointed
House Leader after Ash. Corinth is a warrior, and not well-versed
in the art of politicking and smooth-speaking. He is new to this
position so he does not say much. He (somewhat stubbornly)
maintains that an edict is an edict, and that Zecy should be left
alone. He is impressed, though by your defeat of Bloodbane. He does
not seeem as keen on the Dragon-hoard as Gorianthas and Tolinthis.
Corinth is very conservative, distrustful of change, protective of
his House and his elves. He knows that it would be House Protector
which would be at risk gleaning the Dragon's stolen treasure.

WORD FROM MERRICK QUICKSTRING - Scorpion
(7th), Seed Moon, Gorgon

Word comes by messenger from Merrick Quickstring, dated Day of
the Hare, Seed Moon, Year of the Gorgon:

Griflet,
Acting upon your directions I located the grave of the centaur Lana
Softhooves, near the ruins of Imric's Hold. It is undisturbed. The
elves who remain here fare poorly. Winter has not been kind to them
I fear.
I hope this information is of use to you.
Merrick Quickstring